Lilly and Alzheimer's Disease International Partner to Address Barriers that Impact the Accurate and Timely Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

-- New educational resources to help patients and caregivers communicate vital information with physicians are released as global leaders meet to discuss the global burden of Alzheimer's disease

INDIANAPOLIS, June 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) and Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) today announced the availability of educational resources intended to help improve communication between patients, caregivers and their physicians to ensure physicians have information to accurately diagnose the cause of the patient's cognitive impairment – whether that be Alzheimer's disease, another form of dementia, or some other cause. The availability of resources occurs as two meetings take place in the United Kingdom (UK) to address related aspects of Alzheimer's disease, specifically the need for care innovation and the future financial burden of the disease. The meetings are a result of the G8 Dementia Summit held in December 2013.

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In 2012, Adelphi Research conducted The International Alzheimer's Disease Physician Survey, on behalf of Lilly, revealing physician-perceived barriers that impact their ability to make formal Alzheimer's disease diagnoses, citing lack of communication between patients and caregivers and physicians as one of the most common challenges. In fact, 40 percent of respondents reported that patients and caregivers did not provide enough information to help them make a formal diagnosis. Furthermore, the survey confirmed when diagnoses are made, physicians believe they are often made too late in the progression of the illness for physicians to intervene in a meaningful way.

"Obtaining an accurate and timely diagnosis for the cause of a patient's cognitive impairment allows patients and families more time to seek advice and support, as well as plan for the future together," said Marc Wortmann, executive director, ADI. "The survey findings emphasized the need to better support patients and family members through the often difficult process of seeking a diagnosis by helping them communicate more effectively with physicians."

The following resources, which can be found on the ADI website (http://www.alz.co.uk/), help patients and caregivers better identify key cognitive symptoms that could point to a more serious issue, effectively communicate information and concerns to physicians, as well as plan for the future in the event of an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis:

• Patient/Caregiver Questionnaire: Understanding the Signs & Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease: If a person is unsure whether they or a loved one may be experiencing the signs or symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, this questionnaire may help to inform the decision on if and when it's time to make an appointment with a doctor.
• Patient/Caregiver Journal: Communicating with Your Doctor about Alzheimer's Disease: The journal can be used to track daily behaviors, indicators of memory loss, medication use and other important information to help prepare a patient or caregiver for a conversation with their doctor. Recording information on daily routines and bringing it to a doctor's visit will allow the doctor to assess behavioral patterns and identify potential symptoms, which can be difficult to describe during the visit.
• Patient/Caregiver Guide: Preparing for the Future during the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease: Alzheimer's disease can be a challenging journey, not only for the person diagnosed, but also for family members and loved ones. If a person or their loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease by a medical professional, they can take the first step in preparing for the future by reading through this guide, which includes key information on planning for the road ahead.

Global Survey of Physicians Drives Development of Resources
The International Alzheimer's Disease Physician Survey helped provide a better understanding of the difficulties physicians face when making a formal diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, and how some of these barriers can be overcome. Lack of definitive tests, lack of communication between patients and caregivers and physicians, and patient denial were cited as the most common barriers perceived by physicians as impacting their ability to make a formal Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. When asked what information would aid them in making a more definitive diagnosis in the absence of clinical evidence, physicians surveyed indicated that reports about the types and durations of symptoms, how symptoms affect daily life, rate of decline and family history would help physicians assess patients.

About Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, causes progressive decline in memory and other aspects of cognition. However, Alzheimer's Disease is one of many possible causes of cognitive impairment, which can make diagnosis challenging.[1],[2] In fact, it is estimated that up to one in five patients clinically diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's Disease during life do not end up having Alzheimer's Disease pathology upon autopsy.[3],[4]

Researchers do not know exactly what causes Alzheimer's disease and there are currently no approved treatments shown to alter the course of the underlying disease process, only treatment options that reduce certain symptoms of the disease.[2] As of 2010, ADI estimated that there are currently 35.6 million people with dementia worldwide, with 7.7 million new cases each year (which implies one new case every four seconds).[5] The number of people affected is estimated to be over 115 million by 2050.[5]

About The International Alzheimer's Disease Physician Survey
The International Alzheimer's Disease Physician Survey was conducted between July 11, 2012, and August 20, 2012, among physicians in the US, UK, France, Italy and Japan. A total of 996 physicians, consisting of primary care physicians (PCP), psychiatrists, neurologists, geriatricians and geriatric psychiatrists (UK only), participated. In order to qualify for the survey, physicians had to meet the following criteria: been in practice between two and 30 years; for PCPs and neurologists, greater than 70 percent of their time must have been in direct patient care; for geriatricians, psychiatrists and geriatric psychiatrists (UK), greater than 50 percent of their time must have been in direct patient care; all physicians must have seen at least 10 patients over the last three months, 50 percent of which must have been older than 19 years of age; all physicians had to indicate that they manage Alzheimer's disease on a regular basis; and all physicians must have agreed to Consent Agreement and Adverse Event reporting standards. 

About Alzheimer's Disease International
Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) is the umbrella organization of Alzheimer associations around the world. Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, ADI seeks to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their families by building and strengthening Alzheimer associations and by raising awareness about dementia worldwide. ADI was founded in 1984 from an initiative of the Alzheimer's Association (USA) and Alzheimer associations in the UK, Canada and Australia, and with encouragement from the World Health Organization (WHO). ADI has been in official working relations with WHO since 1996 and currently has 79 members, each a not-for-profit organization focused on supporting people with dementia and their carers.

About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and http://newsroom.lilly.com/social-channels.

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Refer to: Stefanie Prodouz (Lilly), +1-317-224-5331, prodouzs@lilly.com